Visualizing Hawaiʻi's Maritime Heritage
Expedition results of 3D modeling underwater cultural heritage sites and various historic chapters from the waters near Maui.
In the Fall of 2022, a maritime heritage team of archaeologists, underwater photographers, and educators brought together by Ocean Exploration Trust and the National Geographic Society investigated maritime cultural heritage in the waters around Lānaʻi and Maui. The team aimed to document submerged cultural heritage sites around the Hawaiian Islands using the latest 3D photogrammetry technology. Explore the expedition and the mission model results below!
“The locations of the wrecks are intentionally obscured to preserve the long-term conservation of these sites. All archaeological research is conducted according to ethical standards as outlined by the Register of Professional Archaeologists’ Code and Standards .”
The Maritime Heritage Team (left to right) Ashleigh Glickley, educator, Dr. Jason Raupp, maritime archaeologist, Sruthi Gurudev, youth eco-journalist, Ph.D. candidate Dominic Bush, maritime archaeologist, Dr. Justin Dunnavant, maritime archeologist, Dr. Jennifer Adler, underwater photographer.
“This work is important to understand the natural threats against underwater sites. It is a part of the larger movement within archaeology to choose in situ preservation (‘leave it where it is’),” says Dominic Bush. “By doing so, more people are able to visit and dive on sites, as I did growing up. I hope to pursue a career as an archaeologist tasked with protecting our shared underwater maritime heritage.”
